Dressing Product

ABSTRACT

A dressing product comprises a dressing sheet ( 102 ), such as a thin film, one first surface of which is coated with an adhesive ( 106 ), such as a pressure sensitive hydrocolloid adhesive, which is applicable to an anatomical surface of a living being, such as a skin portion of a human. A carrier system, which provides a support for the dressing sheet, defines a gripping section for handling of the carrier system by human fingers. The carrier system may include one or more foil members ( 216;218;220;222 ) and supporting sheets ( 212 ) for facilitating application and for providing a non-touch application system, i.e. a system which may be handled by an operator without the operator touching the dressing sheet ( 102 ) or at least the adhesive surface ( 106 ) thereof. A protective sheet having an opening for application of a pharmaceutical product to the adhesive prior to application of the dressing sheet is disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to dressings for application toe.g. a skin portion of a human, in particular to the field of thin filmdressings provided in the form of backings coated on one side with anadhesive. More specifically, the invention concerns carrier systems forsuch dressings.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various thin flexible film adhesive coated dressings, such as wounddressings and surgical drapes and delivery systems therefore, are known.The dressings can be applied to an application site, such as a skinportion of a living being, by removing a releasable protective linerfrom the adhesive coating and adhering the dressing to the applicationsite. The adhesive is usually coated onto a surface of a polymeric film.

Prior art document EP 308 122 A2 discloses an adhesive coated thin filmdressing in combination with an applicator therefore, wherein theapplicator comprises a pair of superposed laminar members hinged at oneend, the lower member being adapted to be grasped at the end remote fromthe hinge and the upper member being adapted to support the dressing.The upper member is in releasable contact with a major portion of theadhesive surface therefore. A protector is provided which is inreleasable contact with the remaining portion of the adhesive surfaceand which extends beyond the hinged end of the upper member.

WO 00/41670 discloses a Herpes Labialis plaster formed of a so-calledsticking part, a sterile cloth of gauze and an elastic part, which issaid to be, twisted about 90 degrees from its middle along its width.

Further delivery systems are known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,224 B1, U.S.Pat. No. 6,264,976 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,642.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of preferred embodiments of the present invention toprovide a dressing product with a carrier system that allows for preciseand convenient application of a dressing sheet, in particular, but notexclusively, a thin film dressing sheet, i.e. to provide a carriersystem which does not result in wrinkling of the dressing sheet duringapplication thereof and which is easy to handle, e.g., duringapplication to a facial site. It is a further object of preferredembodiments of the invention to provide a dressing product with acarrier system, which allows for easy and precise application ofdressing sheets having a relatively small surface area.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the invention provides a dressing productcomprising:

-   -   a dressing sheet, one first surface of which is provided with an        adhesive, whereby said first surface defines an adhering surface        for attaching the dressing sheet to an anatomical surface of a        living being;    -   a carrier system defining a gripping section for handling of the        carrier system by human fingers, the carrier system providing a        support for the dressing sheet and at least a part of the        carrier system is attached to the dressing sheet by means of        said adhesive;    -   the dressing sheet being releasably connected to or contained in        the carrier system, so that the carrier system can be separated        from the dressing sheet during application thereof, wherein the        carrier system comprises a supporting section and a protective        sheet, said supporting section and protective sheet being        adjoined along a curved or linear line, wherein the adhering        surface of the dressing sheet defines an overlapping region in        which the sheet adheres to the supporting section, and a        non-overlapping region in which the sheet does not adhere to the        supporting section.

Several dressing sheets may be supported by the carrier system. Forexample a plurality of dressing sheets may be attached to the carriersystem in an array or in any other predetermined pattern, for example ina circular fashion along a periphery of a generally circular or ovalcarrier system.

In the present context, the term dressing sheet should be interpreted ina broad sense, i.e. to include not only thin film dressings, but alsoany other kind of dressings, including other types of film dressings,dressing with absorbents, blister healing dressings, callus reliefdressings, bunion relief dressings, dressings for cuts or grazes,surgical drapes etc. Once an initial portion of the adhesive is attachedto the application site, e.g. on the skin of a human, the adhesive forceprovided between that portion of the adhesive and the skin is preferablylarger than the force needed for separating the carrier system from thedressing sheet. Accordingly, the dressing sheet may be separated fromthe remaining portion of the dressing sheet while the dressing sheet isgradually applied to the application site. This may be achieved byselecting an adhesive with appropriate adhesive properties and/or byselecting an appropriate surface structure of the relevant part of thecarrier system. For example, in embodiments in which a part of thecarrier system is directly attached to the dressing sheet by means ofthat adhesive, which is also used for attaching the dressing sheet tothe skin, the surface structure of that part of the carrier system maybe such that a smaller force is needed for releasing the dressing sheetfrom the carrier system than the force needed for separating theadhesive surface of the dressing sheet from the skin.

The supporting section or the protective sheet may be provided with aslit in the area not covered by the dressing sheet. The slit is enclosedby the supporting section and does thus not reach the edge of thesection. Preferably, the slit is substantially parallel to the adjoiningline of the supporting section and the protective sheet. In oneembodiment of the invention the slit is curved, preferably to form aline being coaxial to the dressing sheet. In another embodiment of theinvention the slit is in the form of connected rectilinear lines. Theslits provide flexibility to the carrier system during application. Whenthe dressing sheet is applied the protective sheet is removed by pullingaway from the supporting sheet. When the sheet is pulled, the sheet willflex at the point of the slit, thus easing the removal from theadhesive. Then the unprotected adhesive part is applied to the desiredapplication site, e.g. the skin, and the supporting section is pulledoff, also flexing at the slit, providing a rolling movement of the partof the supporting section attached to the dressing sheet. The presenceof the slit(s) renders it possible to release and apply the dressingsheet without twisting the dressing, which otherwise may give rise towrinkles and tensions.

The carrier system preferably provides a relatively rigid or stiffsupport for the dressing sheet, so that wrinkling or crumpling of thedressing sheet can be prevented. The carrier system may thus, inaddition to the gripping section, define a sheet supporting section towhich the dressing sheet adheres. It may be foreseen that only a portionof a peripheral section of the adhering surface of the dressing sheetadheres to the sheet supporting section, in which case there is definedan overlapping region in which the sheet adheres to the supportingsection, and a non-overlapping region in which the sheet does not adhereto the supporting section. The overlapping region is preferably largeenough to ensure non-wrinkling or non-crumpling of the dressing sheet.In other words, the overlapping region should ensure that the dressingsheet is maintained in a distended manner by the sheet supportingsection. The sheet supporting section may for example be O- or U-shaped.

A protective sheet may be provided for protecting the adhering surfaceof the dressing sheet prior to application thereof. The protective sheetmay adhere to the adhering surface by means of that adhesive, which isalso used for adhering the dressing sheet to the skin. In addition tothis, or as an alternative, a separate, second adhesive may be providedfor securing the protective member in relation to the carrier system andthe dressing sheet. In case the carrier system defines a supportingsection for supporting a peripheral portion of the dressing sheet, theprotective sheet may adhere to the non-overlapping region, so that thenon-overlapping region is exposed when the protective sheet is removed.Thereby, the carrier system can be separated from the sheet when thenon-overlapping region adheres to the application site, so that theentire adhering surface can ultimately be adhered to the applicationsite.

It has been found that application of a substance, such aspharmaceutical product, e.g. in the form of an ointment or cream, or anyother substance, such as a moistening cream, a gel or a liquid in theform of a spray, to an anatomical surface, such as a skin portion of ahuman being, jeopardizes the adhering effects of a dressing subsequentlyapplied to that surface. Therefore, the present inventors have proposedto apply the substance to a surface of a dressing, which in turn isapplied to the application site. This new insight has resulted in asurprising and significant improvement. However, even this improvedsolution may have negative effects on the adhering properties of thedressing. Thus, a dressing may separate from an application site, suchas a skin portion of a human being, relatively soon after itsapplication, which is not only inconvenient to the patient wearing thedressing but which also increases costs. Accordingly, one aspect of thepresent invention is concerned with reducing or eliminating suchnegative effects. In order to solve this problem and in order tofacilitate application of a pharmaceutical product to the adheringsurface, the protective sheet may define at least one opening, throughwhich a portion of the adhering surface of the dressing sheet, such as aportion of the non-overlapping region of the adhering surface, isaccessible while the dressing sheet is still connected to the carriersystem. The pharmaceutical substance, such as an ointment or cream, gel,liquid spray or the like may thus be applied to a confined area of theadhering surface prior to application of the dressing sheet to theapplication site. This has, surprisingly, shown to efficiently solve theproblem of reduced adhering properties when a substance is applied tothe adhering surface, as it may be ensured that substance is not appliedto the entire adhering surface. For example, the protective sheet, or aplurality of protective sheets, may cover at least parts of theperipheral portions of the adhering surface, so as to ensure that nosubstance is applied to those parts of the peripheral portions, which inturn are ensured to provide a firm adhering effect along at least aportion of the periphery of the dressing sheet. In other words, theopening may be provided in the protective sheet such that it does notextend to the bounds of the dressing sheet, whereby application of thepharmaceutical product to a peripheral portion of the adhering surfaceof the dressing sheet may be efficiently prevented. Most preferably, theopening is provided centrally within the protective sheet. The openingmay be provided as a cut-out section in one or more protective sheetsattached to the adhering surface, or it may be provided between boundaryedges of separate protective sheets. The opening may optionally becovered by a closing member, which is separately realeasable from thedressing sheet or the carrier system in such a way that the protectivesheet maintains attached to the dressing patch when the closing memberis removed.

The provision of the opening in the protective sheet or sheets (orbetween protective sheets) is further advantageous for the followingreasons. In case a substance, such as a pharmaceutical substance, has arelatively short disintegration time, i.e. an integration time which isshorter than the durability of other parts or portions of the dressingproduct, it may be inexpedient or even impossible to pre-coat thedressing product with the substance prior to delivery thereof to theend-user or to incorporate the substance in the adhesive. Therefore,such a substance can advantageously be provided in a separate container,such as a tube, in which it does not disintegrate as fast as whencontained in the dressing sheet itself. Thanks to the opening in theprotective sheet, the substance to be applied to the dressing productmay be easily, but yet accurately, applied by an operator which in manyinstances is the patient himself/herself.

The amount of substance ultimately applied to the dressing patch andhence to the application site may be dependent from the thickness of theprotective sheet and from the area of the opening (or the accumulatedareas of a plurality of openings). Accordingly, the dressing product ofthe invention may be manufactured with various protective sheetthicknesses, so that the product can be tailored to a specific use, e.g.to a specific dosage of a specific medicament. The dressing product ofthe invention may also be provided in a kit with a plurality of suchdressing products, the respective protective sheets of which havedifferent thicknesses or opening areas, so that a patient may dose asubstance, for example a medicament, by selecting a specific dressingproduct with a certain protective sheet thickness or opening areaproviding the desired dosage of the medicament.

An alternative way of controlling the amount of substance applied to thesurface of the dressing is to provide one or more cavities in thedressing itself for accommodating the substance. The cavity or cavitiesmay be in the form of a dome shaped portion or an indentation.

It has further been found that the durability of a dressing productwhich contains or is coated with a substance, such as a pharmaceuticalsubstance, e.g. in the form of an ointment, cream, gel, liquid spray orthe like, may have a very limited durability. This is particularly thecase if the substance has a relatively short disintegration time, i.e.an integration time, which is shorter than the durability of other partsor portions of the dressing product. Thus, the durability of the entiredressing product is negatively affected by the limited durability of thesubstance contained in or coated onto the dressing.

Therefore, it is an object of preferred embodiments of the presentinvention to provide a dressing product, the durability of which islonger than the durability of at least some of the substances applicableto a surface thereof.

It is a further object of preferred embodiments of the present inventionto provide a dressing product, which eliminates or at least reduces theaforementioned negative effects on adhesive abilities.

Accordingly, the invention provides a dressing product comprising: adressing patch, one first surface of which is at least partiallyprovided with an adhesive, whereby said first surface defines anadhering surface for attaching the dressing patch to an anatomicalsurface of a living being; at least one protective sheet adhering to theadhering surface of the dressing patch, wherein the at least oneprotective sheet defines at least one opening, through which a portionof the first surface of the dressing patch is accessible while the atleast one protective sheet is connected to the dressing.

It will be appreciated that a substance, such as a pharmaceuticalsubstance, which may be in the form of an ointment or cream, gel, liquidspray or the like may thus be applied to a confined area of the adheringsurface prior to application of the dressing patch to the applicationsite, i.e. to that area which is accessible through the at least oneopening provided in or by the one or more protective sheets. This has,surprisingly, shown to efficiently solve the problem of reduced adheringproperties when a substance is applied to the adhering surface, as itmay be ensured that substance is not applied to the entire adheringsurface. For example, the protective sheet, or a plurality of protectivesheets, may cover at least parts of the peripheral portions of thesurface of the dressing, so as to ensure that no substance is applied tothose parts.

The protective sheet may define a folding line and two sections oneither side of the folding line, with the first section adhering to theadhering surface the sheet, and the second section overlapping the firstsection. Accordingly, the second section may serve as a furtherprotective sheet. For example, the cut-out section may be provided inthe first section of the protective sheet, whereby the second sectionmay protect that portion of the adhering surface of the dressing sheetwhich is accessible through the cut-out section. The folding linepreferably defines a hinge around which the second section may beflipped to lay open the cut-out section for application of apharmaceutical product to the adhering surface through the cut-outsection.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the gripping section extendsaway from the dressing sheet in a direction substantially parallel tothe plane defined by the dressing sheet, the gripping section having abending stiffness, which is sufficient to control application of thedressing sheet. Accordingly, such embodiments result in a flat product,which may be conveniently and compactly packed and stored. Preferably,the dimensions and bending stiffness of the carrier system or at leastof its gripping section allow the carrier system sheet to flex away fromthe anatomical surface of the living being in order to provide anenhanced application pressure at the application site on the one handand in order to provide space for the fingers of the operator applyingthe dressing sheet on the other hand.

With the aim of ensuring a surface area of the gripping section, whichis sufficient for it to be safely handled by human fingers, the grippingsection may be arranged to extend beyond the bounds of the dressingsheet. Preferably, that length of the gripping section which is beyondthe bounds of the dressing sheet, L, is at least equal to the largestcross-sectional dimension of the dressing sheet, D, when seen in a planeview, L≧D, such as L≧1.25*D, such as L≧1.5*D, such as L≧2*D, such asL≧4*D, such as L≧5*D, such as L≧10*D. For example, a dressing sheet witha diameter of 4 mm may have a gripping section with a length of, e.g.,3-5 cm. The plane view, in which the ratio between L and D meets theserestrictions, may be parallel to the plane of the dressing sheet, i.e. atop view, or transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the plane of thedressing sheet. It will be appreciated that the gripping section maythus, for example, define an upright handgrip or, alternatively, aplanar sheet member coextending with the plane of the dressing sheet.Very long gripping sections, for example of a length of 5-20 cm or evenmore may be useful in respect of dressing sheets to be applied to apatient's foot, e.g. to a wart at the sole of the foot, or at otherlocations remote from the operator's or patient's hands, even in casethe order of magnitude of the cross-sectional dimension of the dressingsheet is 1 cm.

In some embodiments, in particular those wherein the gripping sectionextends substantially in the plane of the dressing sheet, thecross-sectional surface area of the gripping section, A, may be at leastequal to the cross-sectional surface area of the dressing sheet, a, A≧a,such as such as A≧1.25*a, such as A≧1.5*a, such as A≧2*a. Embodiments,in which the aforementioned ratios between lengths and areas,respectively, of the gripping section and the dressing sheet apply, arespecifically useful when the surface area of the dressing sheet isrelatively small, i.e. less than 5 cm², such as at most 4 cm², such asat most 2 cm², such as in the range of 1-2 cm² or smaller, such as0.08-1 cm², such as 0.1-0.8 cm², such as 0.12-5 cm² rendering handlingof the dressing sheet by an equally small carrier system difficult, whenhandling is to be carried out by human fingers. However, also largerdressings are within the scope of the present invention, includingdressings with a surface area of the dressing sheet of e.g. be 5-25 cm²,such as 10-20 cm².

In the carrier systems disclosed herein, the foil or sheet which isultimately used for applying the dressing sheet to the application sitemay adhere to or overlap the entire adhering surface of the dressingsheet, or only a fraction thereof. Embodiments are provided wherein onlya minor portion of the surface area of the foil or sheet used forapplication adheres to or overlaps the adhering surface. Suchembodiments may be advantageous, as a relatively large portion of theadhering surface of the dressing sheet may, prior to applicationthereof, be exposed for application of a pharmaceutical substance and/orfor secure application, as a relatively large portion of the adheringsurface may be brought into contact with the application site already atthe beginning of the application process, so as to prevent undesiredslippage of the dressing sheet relative to the application site. It ispreferred that the foil or sheet for applying the dressing sheet,irrespective of the amount of overlap with the adhering surface, iscapable of maintaining the dressing sheet in a stretched or distendedmanner, at least until a sufficient amount of the dressing sheet, duringapplication thereof, adheres to the application site for preventingwrinkling or crumpling of the dressing sheet.

Preferably, in order to avoid wrinkling or crumpling of the dressingsheet, the carrier system comprises a supporting sheet having a bendingstiffness which, when attached to the dressing sheet, is greater thanthe bending stiffness of the dressing sheet without the supporting sheetbeing attached thereto, and without any paper web attached to thedressing sheet. In most embodiments, the supporting sheet has a bendingstiffness greater than the bending stiffness of the dressing sheet. Thesupporting sheet may be made from paper or cardboard material or from ametal, such aluminium or from a plastics material, such as polyester,such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PETP), which may optionally be coatedwith one or more coatings for providing desired properties, such asreleasability (i.e. adhering properties) for achieving the desiredreleasability effects, cf. the above discussion. The adhering properties(or releasability) of the supporting sheet may thus vary in dependenceof the choice of material for the coating. Suitable material groups maye.g. comprise silicone, metals, and Teflon™. It has been found thatsilicone materials are generally well suited for the coating, as variousavailable silicone materials provide a useful variety of adheringproperties. Once silicone materials have been identified as a suitablegroup of materials for the coating of the supporting surface of thecarrier system, it is a matter of routine experimentation to identifythat specific material, which is best suited for a particular embodimentor purpose.

Handling of the carrier system may, for certain uses, be facilitated ifthe bending stiffness, density and dimensions of the supporting sheetare such that essentially no deflection is caused to the supportingsheet by its own weight when the supporting sheet is supported at oneend, or held by a finger at one end. This is in particular useful inembodiments in which the carrier system and thus the supporting sheetextend essentially in the plane of the dressing sheet. In respect ofembodiments in which the supporting sheet is separated from the dressingsheet prior to application thereof, it is, however, of little importancefor the handling during application whether or not the supporting sheetdeflects under its own weight, though in terms of easy handling prior toapplication, it may also be desirable that it does not.

In addition to the supporting sheet, there may further be provided aflexible foil member for facilitating application of the dressing sheet.The foil member may be connected or attached to the second surface ofdressing sheet, i.e. the backing layer, or to the adhering surface, forexample directly to the adhesive. The foil may, e.g., be made frompolyester, such as from PETP, or from paper or cardboard material,preferably coated with e.g. silicone, metal, such as aluminium, orTeflon™.

The protective sheet may comprise two or more sheet parts, wherein theat least one opening may be provided in one or more of the protectivesheet parts or between boundaries thereof.

The provision of the opening in the protective sheet or sheets (orbetween protective sheets) is further advantageous, as it allows forseparate storage of a substance, such as a pharmaceutical substance, tobe applied to the surface of the dressing patch. This is in particularbeneficial if the substance has a relatively short disintegration time,i.e. an integration time which is shorter than the durability of otherparts or portions of the dressing product. Such a substance canadvantageously be provided in a separate container, such as a tube, inwhich it does not disintegrate as fast as when contained in the dressingpatch. Thanks to the opening in the protective sheet, the substance tobe applied to the dressing product may be easily, but yet accurately,applied by an operator which in many instances is the patienthimself/herself. The protective sheet may, in certain embodiments,adhere directly to the adhering surface of the dressing patch, whereasin other embodiments it may be otherwise connected thereto.

The at least one opening may be covered by a closing member which isseparately realeasable from the dressing patch in such a way that the atleast one protective sheet remains attached to the dressing patch whenthe closing member is removed. Thereby, protection of that or thoseportions the dressing surface, which are accessible through the at leastone opening, may be achieved until immediately before a substance is tobe applied through the opening(s). Alternatively, or in addition, theprotective sheet may define a folding line and two sections on eitherside of the folding line, with the first section adhering to thedressing, and the second section overlapping the first section.Accordingly, the second section may serve as a further protective sheet.For example, the cut-out section may be provided in the first section ofthe protective sheet, whereby the second section may protect thatportion of the dressing surface which is accessible through the cut-outsection. The folding line may define a hinge around which the secondsection may be flipped to lay open the opening for application of apharmaceutical product to the dressing surface through the opening.

There may be provided only one or a plurality of openings, such as 2, 3,4, 5-10, 11-15, 15-20 or more. The openings may be equidistantlyarranged across a confined surface area of the at least one protectivesheet, e.g. in an array pattern. In some embodiments, the plurality ofopenings are arranged in a circular fashion.

The at least one protective sheet may be comprised in a carrier systemwhich comprises a gripping section which can be handled by human fingersand a dressing patch supporting section for applying the dressing patchto an application site. Examples of such carrier systems will be givenbelow in connection with the description of the drawings.

The principle of the present invention works equally well in respect ofrelatively large dressings, i.e. wherein the surface area of thedressing patch is e.g. 5-20 cm² or more, or 10-20 cm², as in respect ofrelatively small dressings, i.e. wherein the surface area of thedressing patch is less than 5 cm², such as more than 2 cm² and less than5 cm², such as 1-2 cm², such as 0.1-1 cm², such as less than 0.1 cm².

In some embodiments, in particular in those wherein the dressing patchconstitutes a so-called thin film dressing, the adhering surface mayessentially constitute the first surface of the dressing patch.

The above mentioned pharmaceutically active substances may be applied tothe adhering surface of the dressing patch after completion of theadhering coating, or they may be mixed into the adhesive prior tocoating thereof onto the backing layer, or they may otherwise beprovided onto the surface of the dressing patch.

In case a foil or handgrip is attached or connected to the backing layerof the dressing sheet, there is preferably provided a further adhesiveto the backing layer. The foil may, as an alternative to being providedat the backing layer side of the dressing sheet, be arranged between theadhering surface of the dressing sheet and the supporting sheet,preferably so that the foil is attached to a portion of the adheringsurface of the dressing sheet and the supporting sheet adheres to theremaining portion of the adhering surface. An adhesive may be providedfor securing an upper surface of the supporting sheet to a lower surfaceof the foil. The foil may define a hinge or folding line between tosections thereof, on of which adheres to the dressing sheet, allowing anoperator, once the supporting sheet has been removed, to separate thefoil from the dressing sheet by applying a pull to that section of thefoil which does not adhere to the dressing sheet, so as to peel the foiloff the sheet.

Accordingly, it is desirable that the hinge or folding line faces acentral area of the dressing sheet, so that the peeling pull can beapplied in a radial direction away from the central area of the dressingsheet. Preferably, the force needed for separating the foil from thedressing sheet is smaller than the force needed for separating theadhering surface of the dressing sheet from the application site, suchas the skin of a human. The thus required releasability of the foil maybe controlled by appropriate selection of a material of the foil or of acoating thereof, such as for example a silicone coating. In order tofacilitate peeling of the foil and thus application of the dressingsheet, the foil may be flexible, i.e. with a bending stiffness which isnormally smaller than the bending stiffness of the supporting sheet butyet greater than the bending stiffness of the dressing sheet.

The invention further relates to a dressing product comprising:

-   -   a dressing sheet, one first surface of which is provided with an        adhesive, whereby said first surface defines an adhering surface        for attaching the dressing sheet to an anatomical surface of a        living being;    -   a carrier system defining a gripping section for handling of the        carrier system by human fingers, the carrier system providing a        support for the dressing sheet, wherein the carrier system        defines a cavity for accommodating the dressing sheet.

Within the scope of the present invention there is further providedembodiments in which the carrier system defines a cavity foraccommodating the dressing sheet, there being optionally provided a lidor cover sheet for the cavity in order to protect the adhering surfaceof the dressing sheet which faces towards the opening of the cavity. Inone embodiment, the carrier system is made essentially from a blistermaterial which is sufficiently flexible for allowing the dressing sheetto be applied by a finger tip pressure on a back surface of the carriersystem when the carrier system is pressed against the anatomical surfaceat the application site.

The adhering surface preferably comprises hydrocolloid particles, thethickness of the adhesive being in the range of 25-300 μm, such as30-200 μm, such as 25-150 μm, such as 30-100 μm, and the vapourpermeability of the dressing sheet preferably being 200-2000 g/m², suchas 200-1000 g/m², such as 300-800 g/m², such as 400-700 g/m², such as450-650 g/m². It has been found that a dressing sheet with suchthickness and vapour permeability provides a non-occlusive adhesivedressing sheet, i.e. one that enables moisture on, e.g., a skin surfaceto evaporate through the dressing sheet, so as to prevent undesiredaccumulation of moisture which could cause the dressing sheet to looseits adhering contact to the skin or promote bacterial growth between thesheet and the skin. Moreover, the small thickness of the dressing sheetresults in a discrete appearance once applied to the application site.

The outer periphery of the dressing sheet may be bevelled in order toreduce the risk of rolling-up the dressing that would reduce wear-time.The edge is e.g. bevelled so that the thickness adjacent to the edgedoes not exceed about 30% of the maximum thickness of the dressing, morepreferably not exceeding 25% of the maximum thickness for dressinghaving a minimum thickness above about 0.7 mm, whereas the thicknessadjacent to the edge for dressings having maximum thickness belowapproximately 0.5 mm preferably does not exceed about 50% of the maximumthickness of the dressing sheet.

In order to result in a discrete appearance of the dressing whenapplied, e.g., to a face portion of a patient, the dressing sheet may betransparent.

Though the term adhesive is used herein it is understood that the termmay cover any substance having adherent properties, such as adhesives,silicone or rubbery substances, petrolatum or the like, and hydrocolloidadhesives. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive of anysuitable kind known per se.

The supporting sheets of the various carrier systems, including thosemade from an optionally silicone coated paper, cardboard or plasticsmaterial may typically have a thickness of 0.1-1 mm, and the protectivesheets, foils and foil members may typically have a thickness of0.01-1.0 mm, such as 0.02-1.0 mm.

The invention further relates to a dressing product comprising:

-   -   a dressing sheet, one first surface of which is provided with an        adhesive, whereby said first surface defines an adhering surface        for attaching the dressing sheet to an anatomical surface of a        living being;    -   a carrier system defining a gripping section for handling of the        carrier system by human fingers, the carrier system comprise a        protective sheet providing a support for the dressing sheet, and        wherein the carrier system comprises a thread arranged between        said adhering surface of the dressing sheet and the protective        sheet and extending beyond a bound of the dressing sheet.

The dressing sheet is lifted off the protective sheet by pulling thethreat away from the protective sheet, preferably in a substantiallyperpendicular direction of the protective sheet. The dressing sheet andthread is then applied to the skin, and the thread is subsequentlyremoved by pulling in a direction being substantially parallel to theskin and dressing surface.

Preferably, in all embodiments of the present invention, the dressingsheet is provided in the form of a polyurethane film constituting abacking layer with an adhesive applied to one surface thereof. Thebacking layer may alternatively be of a non-woven material, a foam, PEor PVC. The adhering surface of the dressing sheet may comprise apharmaceutically active substance. For example, emollients or e.g.retinoids for treating or preventing formation of psoriasis, eczema,callous, skin, corns or blisters. Examples of applicable pharmaceuticalmedicaments include a cytochine, such as a growth hormone or apolypetide growth factor such as TGF, FGF, PDGF, EGF, IGF-1, IGF-2,colony stimulating factor, transforming growth factor, nerve stimulatinggrowth factor and the like giving rise to the incorporation of suchactive substances in a form being apt to local application in a wound inwhich the medicament may exercise its effect on the wound, othermedicaments such as bacteriostatic or bactericidal compounds, e.g.iodine, iodopovidone complexes, chloramine, chlorhexidine, silver saltssuch as sulphadizine, silver nitrate, silver acetate, silver lactate,silver sulphate, silver sodium thiosulphate or silver chloride, zind orsalts thereof metronidazol, sulpha drugs, and pencillins, tissue-healingenhancing agents, e.g. RGD tripeptides and the like, proteins, aminoacids such as taurine, vitamins such as ascorbic acid, enzymes forcleansing of wounds, e.g. pepsin, trypsin and the like, proteinaseinhibitors for use in e.g. surgical insertion of the dressing in cancertissue and/or other therapeutic agents which optionally be used fortopical application, pain relieving agents such as lidocaine orchinchocaine, emollients, retinoids or agents having a cooling effect.

Due to its discrete appearance and the easy applicability provided bythe carrier system, the dressing of the invention may advantageously beused for facial application, such as for the treatment of herpes, acneand warts with medicaments known per se for such purposes beingcontained in the adhesive or being applied thereto. Suitable anti viralmedicaments for the treatment of herpes may for example compriseaciclovir or penciclovir. Azelain acid or isotretinoin may be used in amedicament for the treatment of acne. In respect of the treatment ofwarts, a mitotic inhibitor, such as podophyllotoxin, is applicable.Warts and/or clavus may be treated by salicylic acid-based medicaments.

The above mentioned pharmaceutically active substances may be applied tothe adhering surface of the dressing sheet after completion of theadhering coating, or they may be mixed into the adhesive prior tocoating thereof onto the backing layer.

In a second aspect the invention provides a method of applying adressing sheet of a dressing product according to the first aspect ofthe invention, with a protective sheet for protecting the adheringsurface of the dressing sheet and with a cut-out section being providedin the protective sheet, through which the adhering surface of thedressing is accessible, the method comprising:

-   -   separating the protective sheet from the adhering surface of the        dressing sheet;    -   attaching at least a portion of the adhering surface to said        anatomical surface, and subsequently    -   separating the carrier system from the dressing sheet.

A pharmaceutical substance may be applied to the adhering surface of thethrough said cut-out portion of the protective sheet prior to separationof the protective sheet from the non-overlapping region of the adheringsurface of the dressing sheet.

In a third aspect the invention provides a kit comprising a dressingproduct according to the first aspect of the invention and apharmaceutical product comprising a substance applicable to the dressingsheet.

The invention also provides a method for preparing a dressing patch of adressing product as disclosed herein, the method comprising:

-   -   applying a substance, such as a pharmaceutical substance as        described above, to a confined surface portion of said first        surface of the dressing patch through the at least one opening;        and subsequently:    -   separating the at least one protective sheet from the patch.

The invention further provides a method of treating a dermal or mucosalaffection, comprising the steps of preparing a dressing patch of adressing product as disclosed herein, the method of preparingcomprising:

-   -   applying a pharmaceutical substance to a confined surface        portion of said first surface of the dressing patch through the        at least one opening; and subsequently:    -   separating the at least one protective sheet from the patch, the        method of treating comprising applying the dressing patch to an        anatomical surface of a living being.

In a final aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising a dressingproduct as disclosed herein and a container containing a substanceapplicable to a surface portion of the first surface of the dressingpatch. The substance may comprise an ointment or cream, gel, liquid,e.g. a liquid spray, the substance optionally containing apharmaceutically active substance, such as any of the substances andmedicaments mentioned above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described with reference to thedrawings in which FIGS. 1-41 illustrate various embodiments of dressingproducts according to the invention. It will be appreciated that thethicknesses of the various sheets, foils etc. of the carrier systemsillustrated in the drawings are, for the purpose of clear illustration,drawn excessively large relative to the breadths and widths of suchsheets, foils etc. In the shown embodiments, each dressing sheet 102 mayhave a total thickness some 50-350 μm or up to 1000 μm, whereas each ofthe carrier systems illustrated may have a width or breadth of typically1-10 cm, preferably 1.5-6 cm.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cross-sectional view and a top view, respectively,of a first embodiment of a dressing product 100. The dressing productcomprises a dressing sheet 102 consisting essentially of a backing layer104 made from e.g. polyurethane and coated with an adhesive 106, anadhering surface for attaching the dressing sheet to e.g. a skin portionof a patient being thereby defined by the upper surface of the adhesive106. A carrier system is provided for supporting the dressing sheet 102and for facilitating application thereof. The carrier system comprises asupporting sheet 108 made from a coated paper or cardboard material, anda foil member 110. A further adhesive (not shown) is provided forsecuring the supporting sheet 108 in relation to the backing layer 104.The supporting sheet 108 defines gripping sections 109 at the regions ofnon-overlap with the dressing sheet 102. The foil member 110 definesfirst and second sections 112 and 114, respectively, and a folding lineor hinge 116. A cut-out section 113 is provided in the first section 112of the foil member 110, so that a pharmaceutical substance may beapplied to the adhering surface when the second section 114 is flippedaway from the first section 112 around the hinge 116. The foil membermay be peeled off the adhering surface and adhesive 106 by gripping thesecond section 114 and drawing it to the left in FIG. 1. The propertiesof the material of the surface of at least the first portion 112 of thefoil 110 and the adhesive 106 on the one hand, and the material of thesupporting sheet 108, the backing layer 104 and the adhesive (not shown)between the backing layer and the supporting sheet on the other hand aresuch that the dressing sheet 102 firmly sticks to the supporting sheetwhen the foil member 110 is peeled off the adhesive 106. An operator maythen grip either one or both of the gripping sections 109 and apply thedressing sheet to an application site with the adhesive 106 facing theapplication site. Once the adhesive 106 adheres to the application site,the supporting sheet 108 is separated from the backing layer 104, theforce being required therefor being smaller than the force required forseparating the adhesive 106 from the application site, e.g. a skinportion of a human, so that it is ensured that the dressing sheet 102firmly sticks to the application site when the supporting sheet 108 isremoved. The embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be modified by enlargingthe gripping sections 109 in order to provide an extended handling area.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of a dressing product 120,comprising dressing sheet 102 with backing layer 104 and adhesive 106. Afoil member 122 is arranged between a portion of adhesive 106 and thesupporting sheet 108, the foil member 122 defining first and secondsections 124 and 126, respectively, which are interconnected at hinge orfolding line 128. An adhesive (not shown) may be provided between alower surface of the second foil section 126 and an upper surface of thesupporting sheet 108. A cut-out section (not shown) may optionally beprovided in the supporting sheet 108 in a region of non-overlap with thefoil member 122, so that a pharmaceutical substance may be applied tothe adhesive 106 through the cut-out section. Preferably, the cut-outsection is provided so that the only a central portion, and not theperiphery of the adhesive 106, is exposed through the cut-out section,whereby it may efficiently be prevented that pharmaceutical substance isapplied to the periphery of the adhesive 106 which could comprise theadhering effect of the adhesive 106 once applied to the applicationsite. Prior to use, the supporting sheet 108 is removed, with the foil122 remaining attached to the adhesive 106. The second foil section 126is then used as a gripping section for application of the dressing sheet102. During application, a right-hand portion of the adhesive 106 isinitially adhered to the application site, and the foil 122 is thengradually peeled off the adhesive 106, as the remaining portion of theadhesive 106 gradually contacts and adheres to the application site. Thesupporting sheet 108 of FIG. 3 may, for example, be made from a paper orcardboard material, optionally coated with e.g. a silicone material, orfrom PETP.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, a dressing product 130 comprises asupporting sheet 132, which, for example, may be made from PETP. Thesupporting sheet 132 defines a notch 134, whereby the carrier system maybe broken when a tension is applied by an operator to the supportingsheet in the region of the notch 134. Prior to application of thedressing sheet 102, the supporting sheet 132 is broken at the notch 134,and a portion of the supporting sheet is twisted outwardly, so as toexpose a portion of the adhesive 106, which portion is initially adheredto the application site. The supporting sheet 132 is the graduallyseparated from the adhesive, as the remaining portions of the adhesivegradually attach to the application site.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a further embodiment of a dressing product 140 whichcomprises a carrier system 142 with a supporting section 144 and aprotective sheet 146, which is integral with the supporting section 144.Two opposing notches 148 are provided at either side of the carriersystem at the transition between the supporting section 144 and theprotective sheet 146. A cut-out section 147, through which apharmaceutical substance may be provided to the adhesive 106, isprovided in the carrier system. Prior to application of the dressingsheet 102, the protective sheet 146 is torn off the supporting section144 by braking the carrier system 142 between the notches 148, asindicated by dashed line 150 in FIG. 7. A right-hand portion of theadhesive 106 is then attached to the application site, and thesupporting section is finally gradually separated from the adhesive 106,as the remaining sections of adhesive gradually attach to theapplication site. The supporting sheet may e.g. be made from PETP.

In FIG. 8 a is shown another embodiment of a dressing product, seen frombelow. The dressing system comprises a carrier system with a supportingsection 144 and a protective sheet 146, which is integral with thesupporting section 144. The protective sheet and the supporting sectionhave rounded corners and converge to the central part of the systemrendering a “butterfly shape”. Two opposing notches 148 are provided ateither side of the carrier system at the transition between thesupporting section 144 and the protective sheet 146. A cut-out section147, through which a pharmaceutical substance may be provided to theadhesive, is provided in the carrier system. Prior to application of thedressing sheet 102, the protective sheet 146 is torn off the supportingsection 144 by twisting the supporting section 144 and the protectivesheet 146 along the connection line 150. The now exposed adhesive of thedressing sheet 102 is then attached to the application site, and thesupporting section 144 is gradually separated from the adhesive, againby twisting the supporting section 144 with respect to the dressingsheet 102, as the remaining sections of adhesive gradually attach to theapplication site. The butterfly shape of the carrier system provides agood grip for the fingers during the twisting movement.

FIG. 8 b shows a further embodiment of a dressing product 140, whichcomprises a carrier system in the form of a supporting section 144 and aprotective sheet 146, which is integral with the supporting section 144.Two opposing notches 148 are provided at either side of the carriersystem at the transition between the supporting section 144 and theprotective sheet 146. A cut-out section 147, through which apharmaceutical substance may be provided to the adhesive surface of thedressing sheet 102, is provided in the carrier system. The protectivesheet 146 and the supporting section 144 are both provided with curvedslits 401, being substantially coaxial to the cut-out section 147. Ateach end section of the slits 401 is provided a pre-bended line 402,shown as dashed line, extending from the end section of the slit 401 tothe edge portion of the protective sheet 146 or the supporting section144. The pre-bended lines 402 are preferably not parallel to the slit;more preferred they are substantially perpendicular to the slits.

Prior to application of the dressing sheet 102, the protective sheet 146is torn off the supporting section 144 by pulling the supporting section144 and the protective sheet 146 away from each other. When exposed tothe pull force, the intermediate portions 403 of the protective sheet144 and the supporting section 146 between the slit 401 and the cut-outsection 147 will, due to the pre-bended lines 402 bend slightly upwards.This movement will ease the release of the dressing sheet 102 from theprotective sheet 144 and the protective sheet 144 is finally graduallyseparated from the adhesive of the dressing sheet. This operation may bedone without twisting the construction 140, which otherwise may be doneto separate the protective sheet and the supporting section. Twisting atthis stage may give rise to undesired folding or stretching of thedressing sheet. Now the dressing sheet 102 is attached to the supportingsection 146 and the dressing sheet 102 is brought into contact with thedesired application site. When the exposed part of the adhesive of thedressing sheet is fixed to the application site, the supporting sectionis pulled away. Again the intermediate portion 403 will bend and rise,and ease the release of the dressing sheet 102. Again, no twisting isneeded, and the dressing is applied smooth and without wrinkles. Theslits 401, combined with the pre-bended lines 402, provide an easy anduncomplicated transfer of the dressing sheet from the support to theapplication site.

A further embodiment of a dressing product 160 is shown in FIGS. 9 and10, in which a foil member 162 is arranged between supporting sheet 108and a portion of the adhesive 106. The foil member defines first andsecond sections 164 and 166, respectively, at the transition betweenwhich there is defined a hinge or folding line 168. An adhesive (notshown) is optionally provided for adhering a lower surface of the secondfoil section 166 to an upper surface of the supporting sheet 108. Priorto application of the dressing sheet 102, the supporting sheet 108 isseparated from the adhesive 106 and the second foil section 166, whichin turn is flipped around hinge or folding line 168, whereby a portionof the adhesive 106 is exposed through cut-out section 165, throughwhich a pharmaceutical substance may be applied. An initial portion ofthe adhesive 106 (to the right in FIG. 9) is then adhered to theapplication site, and as the foil member 162 is gradually peeled off theadhesive 106, the remaining portions of the adhesive 106 graduallyadhere to the application site.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a further embodiment of a dressing product 170. Thecarrier system of the dressing product comprises a sheet supportingsection 172 defining a U-shaped end portion 174 with legs of the Udefining a support for a peripheral section 107 of the adhesive 106. Aprotective sheet or foil member 176 adheres to a lower portion of thesupporting section 172 by means of adhesive 178. Though the protectivesheet 176 does not contact the adhesive 106 in FIG. 11, it will beappreciated that, due to the flexibility of the protective sheet 176 anddressing sheet 102, the protective sheet will normally adhere to theadhesive 106, whereby improved protection of the adhesive 106 isachieved. The protective sheet 176 may define a cut-out section 177through which a pharmaceutical substance may be applied to a centralportion of the adhesive 106 prior to application of the dressing sheet.The protective sheet 176 defines first and second sections 173 and 175,respectively overlapping each other and being interconnected at a hingeor folding line 179, whereby lower section 175 protects that part of theadhesive 106, which is exposed through cut-out section 177. An adhesive(not shown) is applied not only in the region in which the protectivesheet 176 overlaps the supporting section 172, but also in the region inwhich the protective sheet 176 overlaps the dressing product 102 andthereby the adhesive 106. It should, however, be understood that theadhesive need not be provided in the region of overlap with the dressingproduct, as the adhesive 106 thereof may serve to adhere the protectivesheet 176 to the dressing product. Prior to application of the dressingsheet 102, the protective sheet 176 is peeled off the dressing product102 and off the supporting section 172. An operator holding thesupporting section 172, which also constitutes a gripping section of thecarrier system, then attaches the adhesive 106 to the application site,and once those portions of the adhesive, which do not constitute theperipheral section 107, are attached to the application site, thesupporting sheet 172 is peeled off the peripheral section 107 of theadhesive 106 by simultaneously twisting the supporting section 172 awayfrom the application site (upwardly in FIG. 11) and drawing it away fromthe dressing sheet (to the left in FIG. 11). The supporting section 172may e.g. be made from a silicone coated cardboard, paper or plasticsmaterial, such as PETP.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14 of a dressing product 180, thecarrier system comprises a ring-shaped sheet 182 and supporting section184 which may adhere to the ring-shaped sheet by and adhesive (notshown). As shown in FIG. 14, the ring-shaped sheet 182 defines aplurality of radially extending slits or notches 183 which arepreferably equidistantly arranged along an inner periphery of the sheet182. However, the slits 183 may alternatively be arranged along theouter periphery of the sheet 182, or slits may be arranged at the inneras well as at the outer periphery. A cut-out section 185 of thesupporting section 184 allows for application of a pharmaceuticalsubstance to the adhesive 106. Prior to application of the dressingproduct, the supporting section 184 is separated from the ring-shapedsheet 182. Next, the ring-shaped sheet 182 is broken at one or more ofthe slits 183, so that an initial portion of a periphery of the adhesive106 is exposed and ready for application. Once such an initial portionof the periphery of the adhesive 106 adheres to the application site,the remaining portions thereof are gradually attached to the applicationsite as the sheet 182 is gradually peeled of the adhesive 106, wherebythe sheet 182 will normally brake at several or all of the slits 183.The supporting section 184 may e.g. be made from a PETP foil, optionallycoated with e.g. a silicone material, and for convenient control ofrelease values, the ring-shaped sheet 182 may be silicone coated.

The carrier system of the embodiment of a dressing product 190 shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 comprises a supporting section 192, which also defines agripping section, and a protective sheet 194, which is provided with acut-out section 193. Preferably, the section 192 and sheet 194 are madefrom the same sheet material and separated by a cut or punching alongline 196. That end portion of section 192 which faces sheet 194 isessentially U-shaped, with the facing end portion of sheet 194 defininga complementary shape. The dressing sheet 102 is arranged at thetransition between section 192 and sheet 194 and may serve to securesection 192 in relation to sheet 194. Alternatively or additionally, aseparate adhesive-coated sheet (not shown) may be provided for securingsection 192 in relation to each other. Prior to application of thedressing sheet 102, the sheet 194 is separated from the dressing sheet102 by twisting it out of the plane of FIG. 15 and drawing it away fromthe supporting section 192. The legs of the U-shaped end portion of thesupporting section 192 thereby define a support for the peripheralsection 107 of the dressing sheet 102. A pharmaceutical product may beapplied to the adhering surface of the dressing product 102 which isexposed between the two legs of the U-shaped end portion of thesupporting sheet 192. The dressing sheet 102 is applied to theapplication site by the supporting and gripping section 192 which ispeeled off the dressing sheet once the non-supported portion of thedressing sheet adheres to the application site, whereby the peripheralsection 107 may finally adhere to the application site. The section 192and sheet 194 may have different release properties, so that a largerforce is required for separating the dressing sheet 102 from thesupporting section 192 than the force needed for separating the sheet194 from the dressing sheet 102, whereby it may be ensured that thedressing product sticks to supporting section 192 (and not to sheet 194)when the section 192 and sheet 194 are separated. This effect may beachieved by different surface materials of the section 192 and of thesheet 194, e.g. by coatings of different silicone materials. Theaforementioned effect may alternatively be achieved—or enhanced—bydesigning the supporting section 192 and the sheet 194 such that a majorpart of the surface area of the dressing sheet 102 adheres to the sheet194.

A similar embodiment is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in which dressingproduct 200 comprises a protective sheet 204 essentially identical tothe protective sheet 194 of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, but withno cut-out section being provided therein. The remaining elements ofFIGS. 17 and 18 are the same as those of the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and16 and are thus referred to by the same reference numerals as in FIGS.15 and 16.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate yet a further embodiment of a dressingproduct 210, the carrier system of which comprises a supporting sheet212, first and second protective sheets 216 and 218, respectively,intermediate sheet 220 and cover sheet 222. Supporting sheet 212 issecured to intermediate sheet 220 at welding portions 224 and 226 and tocover sheet 222 at welding portion 228. Cover sheet 222 is secured tointermediate sheet 220 at welding to portion 230. FIG. 20 shows aconfiguration of the dressing product 210 which occurs duringapplication thereof. Cover sheet 222 has been separated fromintermediate sheet 220 by braking welding 230, and protective sheet 218has been peeled off adhesive 106. Backing layer 104 has been partiallypeeled off supporting sheet 212, there being optionally provided anadhesive (not shown) for fixing the backing layer to the supportingsheet 212. Once the adhesive 106 has been applied to the applicationsite, protective sheet 216 is peeled off the adhesive. The protectivesheets 216 and 218, which may be made from a continuous sheet ofmaterial, which is cut or punched to establish two distinct sheets, maye.g. be made from a silicone coated PETP sheet. The supporting sheet212, intermediate sheet 220 and cover sheet 222 may e.g. be made fromfoil of a plastics material.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 21 and 22, the carrier system of a dressingproduct 240 comprises a combined supporting and gripping sheet 242connected to backing layer 104 of the dressing sheet 102 viaintermediate layer 244. A protective sheet 246 adheres to the adhesive106. An adhesive (not shown) may be applied to either of the twosurfaces of intermediate layer 244. Prior to application of the dressingsheet 102, the protective sheet, which may e.g. be made from a siliconecoated PETP foil, is separated from the dressing sheet 102. Preferablythe adhering properties of the materials and adhesives used are suchthat the force required for separating the protective sheet 246 from theadhesive 106 is smaller than the force needed for separating the backinglayer 104 from the intermediate layer 244. The intermediate layer 244,which may e.g. be made from a paper or cardboard material, ensures apredetermined distance between the lower surface of the supporting sheet242 and the application site for facilitating application of thedressing product 102 which is applied by means of the supporting sheet242 once the protective sheet 246 has been removed.

The embodiment of a dressing product 241 of FIGS. 23 and 24 is aslightly modified version of the embodiment of FIGS. 21 and 22. Acut-out section 247 is provided in intermediate layer 245, and a cut-outsection 251 is provided in protective sheet 249 for application of apharmaceutical substance to the adhesive 106. When the dressing sheet102 with a pharmaceutical product, which may e.g. be in the form of acream, is pressed against the application site, the dressing product maydeflect slightly into the cut-out section 247 of intermediate layer 245,whereby mashing of the cream onto the peripheral section of the adhesive106 may be prevented or reduced.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate an embodiment of a dressing product 260, thecarrier system of which comprises a combined supporting and grippingsheet 262 connected to a sheet 264 via hinge member 266. A cut-outsection 263 is provided in the supporting sheet 262. The adhesive 106may be released from the supporting sheet 262 and flipped over by meansof the hinge member 266, whereby the hinge member 266 and the dressingsheet 102 may form an extension of the supporting sheet 262 in thecross-sectional view of FIG. 25. When the dressing sheet is applied tothe application site, the sheet 264, which may be attached to thebacking layer 104 by means of an adhesive (not shown), separates fromthe backing layer 104. The sheet 264 may be made from a paper orcardboard material, and the supporting sheet 262 may e.g. be made from aPETP foil.

In the embodiment of a dressing product 270 of FIGS. 27 and 28, thecarrier system comprises a protective sheet 272 with a cut-out section273, a handgrip member 274 and an intermediate paper or cardboard layer276 attached to the backing layer 104 by an adhesive (not shown). Whenthe protective sheet 272 has been separated from the dressing sheet 102,the latter may be applied to the application site by means of thehandgrip member 274, the paper layer 276 separating from the backinglayer 104 once the adhesive 106 adheres to the application site and thehandgrip member 274 is withdrawn. The protective sheet 272 may e.g. bemade from a PETP sheet.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show an embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 27and 28, in which dressing product 275 comprises a protective sheet 277with a plurality of openings or cut-out sections 279, see FIG. 30 inwhich five such cut-out sections are depicted.

A similar embodiment is shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. The carrier system ofa dressing product 280 comprises a protective sheet 282 having first andsecond overlapping sections 288 and 290, respectively, which areinterconnected at hinge or folding line 292, a folded gripping section284 and a paper or cardboard layer 286. A cut-out section 289 isprovided in the first sheet section 288 and covered by the second sheetsection 290 in the initial condition of the sheet. Once the secondsection 290 has been flipped over, and the first section has been peeledoff the adhesive 106, the gripping sheet 284 is used to apply thedressing sheet 102 to the application site.

In the embodiment of the dressing product 300 of FIG. 33, the carriersystem defines a cavity 301 for accommodating the dressing sheet 102,there being provided a lid or cover sheet 306 for the cavity 301 inorder to protect the adhesive 106 of the dressing sheet 102. A lowerpart 302 of the carrier system is essentially made from a blistermaterial which is sufficiently flexible for allowing the dressing sheet102 to be applied by a finger tip pressure on a back surface of theblister material at the region of protruding portion 304.

A further embodiment of a dressing product 310 is shown in FIGS. 34-37,the carrier system of which comprises a protective sheet 312 with acut-out section 313 and a combined supporting and gripping sheet 314(FIGS. 36 and 37). In the initial configuration of the dressing product(not shown), sheet 314 with ring-shaped member 316 adhere to the uppersurface of the dressing sheet 102. Once the protective sheet 312 hasbeen peeled off the adhesive 106, the supporting sheet 314 is used forapplying the dressing product to the application site, and onceapplication is effected, the supporting sheet 314 is separated from thebacking layer. When the dressing sheet 102 is pressed against theapplication site by means of sheet 314, the dressing sheet 102 maydeflect slightly into cavity 317, so that a gel, ointment, cream orother liquid substance applied to the adhering surface 106 is not mashedacross the adhering surface 106.

In a dressing product 320 as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the carriersystem comprises a liner 322 attached to the backing layer 104 of thedressing sheet 102, the liner 322 defining two foldable portions 324which are formed by punched or cut lines in the liner 332. In theinitial condition of the dressing product 320, the foldable portions 324extend in the plane of FIG. 36 and are essentially planar with theremaining portions of the liner 322, the foldable portions 324 beingreceived in cut-out sections 325, see FIG. 39. The foldable portions maybe folded out of the plane of FIG. 36, so as to thereby define handgripsfor application of the dressing sheet. A protective sheet 328 adheres tothe adhesive 106.

FIGS. 40 and 41 show yet a further embodiment of a dressing product 330,the carrier system of which comprises a protective sheet 332, such as asilicone coated paper sheet, with a cut-out section 333, and a thread334. The dressing sheet 102 may be separated from the protective sheet332 by drawing the thread away from the protective sheet 332, andsubsequently the thread may be used as an applicator for the dressingsheet 102. Once the adhesive 106 of the dressing sheet 102 adheres tothe application site, the thread is withdrawn by cautiously pulling italong the dressing sheet between the adhesive 106 and the applicationsite.

FIG. 42 shows a further embodiment of the invention in perspective. Thepart of the protective sheet 404 extending towards the carrier systemscentre is folded. The supporting sheet 405 is also provided with a foldat the central end. The supporting section 405 may further be providedwith a cut-out section 407 in the folded part, e.g. for applying apharmaceutical substance to the dressing sheet 406. The supportingsection 405 may further be provided with a reinforcing layer 408,preferably in the form of a stiffer or more rigid material, such ascardboard. The dressing sheet 406 is situated on top of the folded partof the protective sheet 404 and the supporting section 405. Beforeapplication of the dressing sheet 406 to the applications site, theprotective sheet 404 is pulled off, thus rolling the protective sheet404 off the dressing sheet 406. The now partly exposed adhesive of thedressing sheet 406 is brought into contact with, and attached to, theapplication site and the supporting section 405 is then pulled off, thusrolling the rest of the dressing sheet 406 into contact with theapplication site. The presence of the two folds provides a rollingmovement during application and decreases the risk of folds andwrinkles.

1: A dressing product comprising: a dressing sheet, one first surface ofwhich is provided with an adhesive, whereby said first surface definesan adhering surface for attaching the dressing sheet to an anatomicalsurface of a living being; a carrier system defining a gripping sectionfor handling of the carrier system by human fingers, the carrier systemproviding a support for the dressing sheet and at least a part of thecarrier system is attached to the dressing sheet by means of saidadhesive; the dressing sheet being releasably connected to or containedin the carrier system, so that the carrier system can be separated fromthe dressing sheet during application thereof, wherein the carriersystem comprises a supporting section and a protective sheet, saidsupporting section and protective sheet being adjoined along a curved orlinear line, wherein the adhering surface of the dressing sheet definesan overlapping region in which the sheet adheres to the supportingsection, and a non-overlapping region in which the sheet does not adhereto the supporting section. 2: A dressing product according to claim 1wherein the supporting section and the protective sheet are adjoinedalong a fold line. 3: A dressing product according to claim 1 whereinthe supporting section and the protective sheet are adjoined along anedge portion. 4: A dressing product according to claim 1 wherein thesupporting section is provided with a slit in the area being uncoveredby the dressing sheet. 5: A dressing product according to claim 4wherein the slit is substantially parallel to the adjoining line of thesupporting section and the protective sheet. 6: A dressing productaccording to claim 1, wherein the carrier system defines an opening,through which a portion of the adhering surface of the dressing sheet isaccessible, while the dressing sheet is connected to the carrier system.7: A dressing product according to claim 6, wherein the opening isprovided centrally over the dressing sheet. 8: A dressing productaccording to claim 1, wherein the gripping section extends away from thedressing sheet in a direction substantially parallel to the planedefined by the dressing sheet, the gripping section having a bendingstiffness which is sufficient to control application of the dressingsheet. 9: A dressing product according to claim 1, wherein the grippingsection is arranged to extend beyond the bounds of the dressing sheet,and wherein, when seen in a plane view, that length of the grippingsection which is beyond the bounds of the dressing sheet is at leastequal to the largest cross-sectional dimension of the dressing sheet.10: A dressing product according to claim 1, wherein the surface area ofthe dressing sheet is less than 5 cm², such as at most 4 cm², such as atmost 2 cm², such as in the range of 1-2 cm². 11: A dressing productaccording to claim 1, wherein the line adjoining the protective sheetand the supporting section may be broken or separated when an operatorapplies a tension to the carrier system in the region of the line. 12: Adressing product according to claim 3, wherein the protective sheet isintegral with the supporting section of the carrier system, the carriersystem defining a weakened braking line at the transition between thesupporting section and the protective sheet. 13: A dressing productaccording to claim 1, wherein the carrier system comprises a supportingsheet having a bending stiffness, which is greater than the bendingstiffness of the dressing sheet. 14: A dressing product according toclaim 14, wherein the supporting sheet is coated with a siliconematerial. 15: A dressing product according to claim 1, wherein theadhering layer comprises hydrocolloid particles. 16: A dressing productaccording to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the adhesive is 25-300 μmand the vapour permeability of the dressing sheet is 200-2000 g/m². 17.A dressing product according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is appliedto a backing layer made from a polyurethane film. 18: A dressing productaccording to claim 1, wherein the adhering surface of the dressing sheetcomprises a pharmaceutically active substance. 19: A dressing productcomprising: a dressing sheet, one first surface of which is providedwith an adhesive, whereby said first surface defines an adhering surfacefor attaching the dressing sheet to an anatomical surface of a livingbeing; a carrier system defining a gripping section for handling of thecarrier system by human fingers, the carrier system providing a supportfor the dressing sheet, wherein the carrier system defines a cavity foraccommodating the dressing sheet. 20: A dressing product according toclaim 20, further comprising a cover member for the cavity. 21: Adressing product comprising: a dressing sheet, one first surface ofwhich is provided with an adhesive, whereby said first surface definesan adhering surface for attaching the dressing sheet to an anatomicalsurface of a living being; a carrier system defining a gripping sectionfor handling of the carrier system by human fingers, the carrier systemcomprise a protective sheet providing a support for the dressing sheet;and wherein the carrier system comprises a thread arranged between saidadhering surface of the dressing sheet and the protective sheet andextending beyond a bound of the dressing sheet.
 22. A method of applyinga dressing sheet of a dressing product according to claim 1 to ananatomical surface of a living being, the method comprising: separatingthe protective sheet from the adhering surface of the dressing sheet;attaching at least a portion of the adhering surface to said anatomicalsurface, and subsequently separating the carrier system from thedressing sheet.
 23. A method according to claim 23, comprising applyinga pharmaceutical substance to the adhering surface of the through saidopening portion of the protective sheet prior to separation of theprotective sheet from the non-overlapping region of the adhering surfaceof the dressing sheet.
 24. A kit comprising a dressing product accordingto claim 1 and a container containing a substance applicable to asurface portion of the first surface of the dressing patch.
 25. A kitaccording to claim 25, wherein the substance comprises an ointment orcream.